Fender Celebrates Telecaster's 75th Birthday with Star-Studded Ryman Show

Zach Top, Brothers Osborne, and more to honor iconic guitar on May 4th

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:20am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is throwing a 75th birthday party for the iconic Telecaster guitar at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on May 4th. The lineup includes Zach Top, Brothers Osborne, Brad Paisley, Ricky Skaggs, and Steve Warner, with legendary guitarists James Burton and Brent Mason also set to perform. The event, titled "Tele Town," will be musically directed by two-time ACM guitar player of the year Derek Wells.

Why it matters

The Telecaster is widely regarded as the world's first mass-produced, solid-body electric guitar and has been a staple in country, rock, and blues music for decades. This celebration at the historic Ryman Auditorium highlights the enduring legacy and influence of this iconic instrument.

The details

Fender is hosting the "Tele Town" event to honor the 75th anniversary of the Telecaster guitar. The show will feature performances from a lineup of acclaimed country and Americana artists, as well as renowned session guitarists who have helped shape the sound of the Telecaster over the years. Proceeds from the event will go to Nashville-area charities.

  • The "Tele Town" event is scheduled for May 4, 2026.
  • Tickets for the show will go on sale on Friday.

The players

Zach Top

A country music artist performing at the Telecaster 75th birthday celebration.

Brothers Osborne

A country music duo performing at the Telecaster 75th birthday celebration.

Brad Paisley

A country music singer-songwriter performing at the Telecaster 75th birthday celebration.

Ricky Skaggs

A country and bluegrass musician performing at the Telecaster 75th birthday celebration.

Steve Warner

A country music artist performing at the Telecaster 75th birthday celebration.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Putting this show together has been about more than just great players, it's about capturing the spirit of an instrument that's shaped so much of the music we all love. This lineup is full of people who've lived with this guitar onstage and in the studio, and I'm certain that when we all are together, you'll see people playing with love and reverence for what this instrument has meant to us all.”

— Derek Wells, Two-time ACM guitar player of the year and musical director for the event

What’s next

Tickets for the "Tele Town" event at the Ryman Auditorium will go on sale this Friday.

The takeaway

The 75th birthday celebration of the iconic Fender Telecaster guitar at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville highlights the enduring legacy and influence of this instrument, which has been a staple in country, rock, and blues music for decades.